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Abra Boat Ride on Burj Lake at The Dubai Fountain added to your shopping cart.

Do you want to continue shopping or go to checkout, please note, abra boat ride on burj lake at the dubai fountain supplied by: at the top, burj khalifa.

Enjoy an unforgettable ride on a traditional abra boat along the Burj Lake. Experience The Dubai Fountain like never before.

• Ride on an eco-friendly abra boat with an electric engine
• Enjoy a spectacular Burj Lake ride with close-ups of Souk Al Bahar, Palace Downtown hotel and the incredible dancing fountains from a truly unique angle

What's included

• 30-minute abra boat ride along Burj Lake
• Life jackets are available for children below the age of six
• Food and beverages

Set sail on a traditional abra boat and witness the world’s tallest performing fountains up close. This is the perfect chance to share an incredible experience with your loved ones at one of the most iconic spots in Dubai. Admire The Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall aboard a traditional abra as you sail along Burj Lake.

Know before you go

Customers shall approach the At The Top main counter (LG Level, Dubai Mall) and collect their tickets before entering any Dubai Mall Emaar attractions. After that, customers can proceed to the attraction and present their printed ticket and booking confirmation. Please arrive at the location at least 30 minutes before the booking time. Occasional delays can be encountered during the peak season.  Please note that no-shows and late arrivals will not be eligible for a refund.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 72 hours in advance of the start time. Vouchers converted into attraction tickets can't be cancelled and are non-refundable.No-shows and late cancellations are non-refundable.

Opening times

• Monday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Tuesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Thursday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Friday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Saturday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
• Sunday 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Additional Information

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (16+) and a consent form of the parent/s is required. Please note that when purchasing a ticket for a child or infant, an adult ticket must be selected. Children aged between 0 and 3 can enter for free. During severe weather conditions, we may need to temporarily close the attraction to ensure your safety. Please understand that we will not be able to offer refunds in case of inclement weather.

Venue address

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The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

Hours of Operation: 17h45 – 23h30 Last boat departs 30 minutes prior to closing Ticket Price: AED 65.00 per person

A captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai, The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain. At over 900 ft in length – equivalent to over two football pitches – The Dubai Fountain is situated on the 30-acre Burj Lake and performs to a selection of different melodies. The fountain has a unique design comprising five circles of varying sizes and two arcs and features powerful water nozzles that shoot water up to impressive heights. Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions, while 50 colour projectors provide a full spectrum of colour with a total output of 1.5 million lumens. The fountain performs to a range of different songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. When operational, the fountain has over 22,000 gallons of water in the air at any given moment.

Sights, sound, sail! Set sail on a traditional Abra for an ultimate ride on the Burj Lake, home to the world’s largest performing fountain. The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride gives you front row seats to the best show in town.

The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

A brand-new floating platform located within The Dubai Fountain, The Boardwalk allows you to get closer than ever, giving you a whole new perspective of the captivating performances. Guests can start their journey from Burj Park or Fountain promenade and stroll down the 272-metre boardwalk, with the closest point putting you only 9 metres away from the fountains!

Book both experiences here . Hours of Operation: 5:45 PM – 11:30 PM

• Emaar Asset Usage Policy
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Emaar Properties PJSC is the Master Developer of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: Abra Cruise on the Burj Lake

 Every evening, around the lake bordering the Burj Khalifa , the fountains of Dubai, the second largest choreographed aquatic ballet in the world with led show , offer a grand spectacle of an incredible performance to the many tourists gathered under the skyscrapers.

This show is so popular that it has almost become difficult to approach the shores of the lake up close and you often have to elbow your way to find a place in front of the lake in order to appreciate the show at its true value without having the vision masked by a wall of a person in front of you.

In order to ensure a good view, it is possible to observe the show aboard an Abra (small traditional wooden boat) thanks to the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, a mini cruise that allows you to approach the fountains and see this marvellous spectacle of sounds and lights from a small boat placed on the lake just a few meters from the fountains.

About the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

To make your Dubai Fountain Lake Show experience even more magical, you can opt for a mini cruise on the Burj Lake when the show is launched.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride offers to observe the choreographed spectacle of the largest dancing fountain in the world from the perimeter of the lake aboard a traditional boat placed around the rings from which the jets of water spring up for a magnificent dancing spectacle.

The shows lasting around ten minutes are orchestrated to different melodies such as “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “It’s Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman or even “All Night Long” by Lionel Ritchie … in short, a mixture of classical, contemporary and world music.

Each Abra can accommodate six people; mini boat cruises run every 30 minutes and the Abra depart 15 minutes before each fountain show.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride at Sunset

The Dubai Fontaine Lake Show’s first performance starts at 6:00 p.m., making a 5:45 p.m. departure for the Abra cruise; this corresponds roughly (depending on the season) to the moment when the sun slowly begins to retreat, leaving behind a beautiful effect of red, yellow and ocher light just before giving way to the moon.

The 6600 LED bulbs of the dancing fountains of the Burj Lake, combined with the last rays of the sun give the aquatic ballet a spectacular and unique luminescent appearance, at the same time guaranteeing a magical moment to witness the transition between day and night in a romantic setting. .

Dubaï Fountain Lake Ride en soirée

For evening cruises, the city of Dubai is finally covered by the heavy cloak of the night; the buildings around the lake as well as the Burj Khalifa are adorned with their most beautiful clothes of lights, the shining silhouettes of the skyscrapers are reflected on the lake … all these lights, combined with the LED bulbs of the fountains give the lake the appearance of a constellation.

As soon as the music begins, the jets of water soar through the air, oscillate, intertwine and dance to the rhythm of a score composed of Arab, classical, contemporary and world music songs.

Knowing that tourists and even Dubai residents come from a variety of different backgrounds, the song lineup is regularly updated with new titles so that the offer is varied and can reach a wider audience.

How to book Dubai Fountain Lake Ride?

Tickets for the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride cruise can be booked online on the website of the tourist provider Viator. It is really recommended to book online, you can choose the day and time when you want to take this boat ride. This way you will be 100% certain that you can take the boat trip. An identity document may be required to prove your identity; so remember to bring your valid passport with you. Personally, we found the show much more magical with the sunset lights between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. but it’s up to you to decide what time you want to take this cruise, knowing that there is a show every half. – hours, you even have the possibility to test both experiences: at sunset or in the evening, it’s up to you.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Timetable

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride takes place every day from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends); the Abra leave 15 minutes before each performance of the aquatic ballet of the fountains.

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Dubai Fountain Boat Ride

• 9 / 10 10 reviews | 229 travellers A fun and different experience. 8 Eva
• X (Twitter)

On this boat ride around the Dubai Fountain , you'll be able to see the most famous light and sound show in the city  while sailing around the Burj Lake under the light of the setting sun .

Description

In the centre of Dubai lies the biggest scenic fountain in the world . An icon of the city! Stretching to more than 270 metres (885 feet) in length , the equivalent of more than 2 football fields, the Dubai Fountain overlooks Burj Lake , where the light sound and show happens. Can you imagine watching it from the water?

On this 30-minute boat ride , we'll sail around Burj Lake and take in the magic up close. From your seats, you'll have the best views of the Dubai Fountain light and sound show . This show combines a total of 6600 spotlights and 50 colour projectors to light up the water .

In addition, the Dubai Fountain follows the rhythm of a wide variety of songs , from classical music to contemporary Arabic music , carrying out up to 1000 different movements . Amazing, no? The cherry on top of this experience will be that it will be at sunset . It'll prove to be a truly magical moment!

Please keep in mind the following schedules:

• The boat ride around the Dubai Fountain takes place every day from 5:45 pm to 11:15 pm (the boat leaves at 10:45 pm).
• The Burj Lake show will begin within 25 to 30 minutes of the boat's departure . The last departure will take place at 10:45 pm.

More Information

30 minutes.

Dubai Fountain 30–minute boat ride

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Burj Khalifa (Emaar) Show more

Corporate name: At the Top LLC

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Cancellations

Meeting point.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

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Fun Ways to Experience the Burj Lake and Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

Brilliant water experiences to try in the heart of Downtown Dubai

The Burj Lake is home to the famous nightly Dubai Fountain show. Every night, the 30-acre man-made Burj Lake, which sits at the foot of the incredible Burj Khalifa, lights up with a delight of sound and colour for a 5-minute show every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM.

Watch in amazement as over 6,000 lights, 25 colour projectors and 83,000 litres of water move in choreographed perfection to classic Arabian music and modern hits.

The fountain show itself is free to watch from many vantage points near Dubai Mall, but you can also enhance your experience with many paid attractions around Burj Lake in the Downtown area of Dubai.

Traditional Abra Lake Ride – Dubai Fountain Show

Dubai fountain boardwalk, dubai fountain water experiences on burj lake, other dubai fountain viewing points around burj lake, stay near the burj lake.

One of the best ways to see the fountains up close on an unforgettable Dubai experience is to book yourself a seat on a traditional abra (boat) ride on the lake.

The Lake Ride boats depart on quarter past and quarter to the hour, allowing you enough time to float to an ideal position before the show starts. Each boat can take a maximum of 8 passengers – the earlier you go in the evening from our experience the less crowded, you may even get your own boat!

With tickets collected from the At The Top counter on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall, give yourself plenty of time to get organised as there can be queues. It’s a good 5-minute walk to then get from the ticket counter back to the promenade (there are signs to follow), then look for the “Lake Ride” check-in (outside WAFI Gourmet).

You’ll be boarded into the correct boat and then sit back and enjoy your front-row seats for the show.

Tickets for a Burj Lake fountain ride

• You can advance purchase your tickets here (NB we recommend Get Your Guide ticketing services with their money-back guarantee should your plans change)
• Enjoy the Dubai Fountains as part of a Dubai by Night tour

NB Those aged 3 and under can go free but must sit on laps.

Opening time for the Burj Lake fountains ride

The fountains commence in the evening at 6:00 PM, so the earliest you can book is 5:45 PM. The last boat leaves at 10:45 PM. Check availability for today here:

The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, sometimes referred to as the Dubai Fountain Bridge, is a 272 m-long floating platform that allows visitors the best possible up-close view of the fountain on foot.

Pricing for the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk experience

• If you buy just the entry ticket it is 20 AED per person from At The Top

(Some tour companies seem to charge significantly more with little extra offered than guiding you from the ticket counter to the start of the walk- check exactly what you’re getting)

Note you still need to arrive well in advance of your desired show time or booking slot as the ticket collection counter is shared with “At The Top” for Burj Khalifa. The ticket collection counter here can be busy at peak times so you want to be organized in advance.

First entry is at 5:45 PM and last entry at 10:45 PM.

We are awaiting clarity from Emaar, but we believe these additional Burj Lake experiences have been removed as of early 2024 as we’ve not been able to see them for some updated photos!

With an extension to the main Burj Lake opening on 7 December 2020, there are now several new daytime boating options to enjoy the Burj Lake. This is great for families who cannot stay up as late at night. You can now enjoy water experiences including:

• Children’s boating
• Family boating
• Kayaking experiences
• A floating garden

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Downtown Dubai By Emaar (@downtowndubai)

The family offering includes motorised and pedal boats, whilst your older kids (15 years +) and fitter riders may want to take on the different kayak experiences, including a transparent kayak option and water bikes.

The new Birds Cove is just for your little ones to enjoy. As well as experiencing the floating garden from dry land, if they are aged 3 and above they have a choice of miniature motorised and pedal boats in bird shapes of motorised ducks and pedal flamingos. Of course, all safety precautions are taken and they will be supervised as well as wearing life jackets.

The paddle swan boat is appropriate for kids over 12 and adults, whilst the family swan boat is electrical and can be used by families with kids from 3 years + (there must be one adult to pilot the boat).

These new attractions will make great add on experiences for families visiting Dubai Mall and the Downtown area.

Burj Lake Water Experiences opening hours

• Daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

NB if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the fountains at the same time note that the fountains do not start until 6:00 PM and the last booking for the water experiences is 7:30 PM.

Pricing for Burj Lake Water Experiences

• Swam Boat 50 AED/30 mins
• Kayaks from 75 AED/30 mins
• Water Bikes 50 AED/30 mins
• Kids flamingo boat 40 AED/30 mins
• Kids Duck boat 45 AED/30 mins

You can book your tickets via the Burj Khalifa At The Top website – pricing includes VAT. Bookings can be made a maximum of 90 days in advance.

The fountains can be viewed from many vantage points around Burj Lake, including:

• From the promenade surrounding Dubai Mall
• From the promenade in front of Souk Al Bahar and the bridge from the Souk to the Mall (though be warned, this point can get VERY busy)
• From an incredible lake-front restaurant with uninterrupted views – you can find our complete guide to Dubai fountain views here
• From the Burj Khalifa observation deck At The Top – though we think you definitely get the better effect from ground level.
• Some hotels with Burj Khalifa views also have front row seats to see the Burj Lake fountains how – just be sure to specify this when you book as lakeside view rooms may cost more.

Pop over here to our complete fountain and Burj light show guide for more information.

Downtown Dubai is a great central location from which to base yourself close to many of the city’s major attractions. Several hotels and Airbnb properties also offer superb views of the Burj Lake to complement your Dubai water experiences.

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Dubai attractions guide

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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Dubai: Fountain Show And Burj Lake Ride By Traditional Boat - With Reviews & Ratings

• Dubai Tours
• Water Sports
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Dubai: Fountain Show And Burj Lake Ride By Traditional Boat

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Tour Information

Key Details

• Mobile Voucher Accepted
• Hotel pickup Available
• Duration: 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 4:00 PM
• Return Details : About this activity Duration 30 minutes Printed or mobile voucher accepted Instant confirmation Live guide English Cancellation policy Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund
• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
• Fountain Show
• 30-minute boat ride by traditional water taxi
• Food & Drinks

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adults lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Traveler Reviews

Nice ride around the fountain lake and a great view of the show! Glad we splurged on this boat ride to make the fountain show that much more special.

Although it’s possible to view the fountain show from all around the lake we took the boat ride as a little extra. It was well worth it as we could see the show up close and get some nice video and photos. The boat isn’t really a traditional Abra but stilll nice to gently cruise around the lake. Well worth paying for in our opinion

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• Things to do in Dubai
• Downtown Dubai

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a dancing fountain system built on the waters of Burj Khalifa Lake in the heart of Downtown Dubai . It is the largest project of its kind in the world and is the work of WET Design , a Californian company responsible for other similar large-scale works including the famous fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The Dubai Fountain is illuminated by no less than 6,600 lights and 25 coloured projectors, is 275 metres long and shoots jets of water that reach a maximum height of no less than 150 metres, accompanied by music ranging from classical to modern, passing through the popular melodies of Arab culture.

The construction of the Dubai Fountain cost an estimated €200 million and was officially inaugurated on 8 May 2009 with an official ceremony held inside the adjacent Dubai Mall .

The fountain can shoot more than 80,000 litres of water into the air at any time, and at the end of 2010 the entire system was enriched with a new element, fire, which was shown for the first time during the 2011 New Year’s Eve celebrations to the general amazement of those present.

The fountain moves to the rhythm of music , with different combinations, colours or patterns: sometimes the movement seems dancing and sinuous, other times rhythmic and brutal. Every time the water reaches maximum pressure, it is splashed 150 metres into the air and a loud, dry noise is heard, while the ray of light radiated during the Dubai Fountain shows can be seen as far as 30 kilometres away.

The fountain, together with the lights and music, forms a truly exciting spectacle that engages all the senses. It can be seen from every point on the pedestrian walkway around Burj Khalifa Lake and also from many surrounding structures and hotel rooms overlooking it.

The show lasts only a few minutes and is staged every day at 1pm and 1.30pm, then resumes every 30 minutes from 6pm to 10pm on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 6pm to 11pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

All shows at the Dubai Fountain are of course free of charge and are accompanied by light effects and music that is diffused through a huge loudspeaker system around the lake.

The first show of the day is usually Sama Dubai, a tribute to Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, while subsequent performances include songs such as Andrea Bocelli’s ‘Con te partirò’, ‘Let it go’, the song from the Disney film Frozen sung by Demi Lovato, as well as the UAE national anthem, some classical music and some traditional Arabic songs.

Boat ride during the shows

An original way to admire the Dancing Fountains shows is directly from the water: take a short tour of Burj Khalifa Lake aboard an abra, Dubai’s traditional boat.

Useful information

Entrance ticket, metro stops.

• Burj Khalifa/ Dubai Mall Metro Station (899 mt)

Where is located The Dubai Fountain

How to save on transport and entrance fees.

City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.

Attractions around

The best area to stay in Dubai: our favourite neighbourhoods

Dubai is the city of superlatives. But if you look beyond the world’s tallest skyscraper, biggest mall, largest water fountains and highest infinity pools, you will uncover diverse pockets of the city that reflect the personalities of the 200 nationalities that call Dubai home.

Each district is a microcosm, mixing food and leisure with entertainment and shopping or beaches and bars with art galleries and museums. So before visiting Dubai, decide what kind of holiday you want and let our list of the city’s best neighbourhoods guide you.

Where to stay in Dubai at a glance

• For culture
• For foodies
• For couples
• For families

Sunset over Al Fahidi neighborhood

Best for: culture

It’s a one-size-fits-all name for the historical section of the city , encompassing areas such as Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai and Deira. It’s ideal for culture lovers who want to immerse themselves in history, with a mix of museums (Al Shindigha Museum, Coffee Museum, Coin Museum and Dubai Museum), the city’s oldest building (Al Fahidi Fort) and traditional Arabian souks . Prepare to haggle for souvenirs at the gold, textile or spice souks, which are separated by the Dubai Creek and reachable via a short abra (wooden boat) ride.

If you have time to spare, wander to the Dubai Heritage Village or Arts and Culture Centre before stopping by Sheikh Saeed House, which was the official residence of the grandfather of the Ruler of Dubai.

Al Seef is one of the latest developments in the area and is home to traditional architecture that blends into more contemporary structures, as well as myriad shopping concepts and a collection of restaurants throughout the open-air market.

Why we like it

• It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Emirati and Middle Eastern culture
• It’s easy to walk around, with the Dh1 ($0.27) abra rides doubling as cheap boat tours
• The backstreets around Al Fahidi at sunset are quiet, majestic and perfect for holiday snaps
• The souks are respectful and nowhere near as chaotic as some in the region

Where to stay

• XVA Art Hotel & Cafe – cosy heritage meets homely art gallery, with just 13 rooms
• Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton – a stylish new addition to the traditional district
• Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef – blends traditional Arabesque scenery with a contemporary vibe

Getting around

While many different metro stations cover Old Dubai, you can switch between Red and Green Metro lines at Union and Burjuman stations

As well as beaches, Jumeirah is home to some of the city's best restaurants

Best for: foodies

One of the hardest categories to pick in a city increasingly earning its stripes as a global foodie destination. Away from the casual ramen and Middle Eastern mezze in JLT , the hole-in-the-wall chaat and chai venues in Bur Dubai and the endless roster of celebrity chef venues on The Palm is Jumeirah, which has about half a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants within one square kilometre.

From the two-starred Il Ristorante-Niko Romito to Orfali Bros (No 45 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, No 1 on Mena’s 50 Best and one Michelin star), venues here are racking up global awards at pace. Other celebrated venues include Tasca by Jose Avillez (one Michelin star), 11 Woodfire (one Michelin star) and Hoseki (one Michelin star). They’re all reachable within a five to 10-minute drive of each other.

It’s not all fine dining though, with terrific casual Asian food found at 3 Fils (formerly No 1 on Mena’s 50 Best and currently No 6), a renaissance of casual French food at RSVP and authentic Pakistani dishes at neighbourhood favourite Karachi Grill. The most recent addition to the neighbourhood is Sufret Maryam from Palestinian chef Salam Dakkak, which serves home-style Levantine cuisine with a fine-dining twist – it’s a must visit.

• This coastal neighbourhood is like stepping into Los Angeles thanks to its low-rise buildings, palm tree-fringed roads, casual surfer cafes and buzzing public beaches
• Jumeirah Public Beach and Mercato Beach are free to access and within walking distance
• There is something dreamy about tucking into coffee and cake at Brix Cafe watching small fishing boats bob in the harbour
• The completely renovated J1 Beach (formerly La Mer) neighbourhood of beach clubs and restaurants is set to open soon and is only a short drive away
• Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai – five-star luxury with one of the city’s best pools. It’s also home to Tasca by Jose Avillez
• Bulgari Resort Dubai – luxe hotel meets high fashion, with a private marina for yachts on a man-made island
• Rove La Mer Beach – terrific budget option in a great location, with facilities and rooms that belie its three-star rating

Getting there

Jumeirah is approximately a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina . Once there, and depending on what time of the year you visit, walking is a great to explore while taxis are cheap and usually easy to find.

Bluewaters Island and JBR

Best for: couples

Dubai marina, jbr and bluewaters island.

From the twisting Cayan Tower to the soaring Ain Dubai, the beautiful Mohammad bin Ahmed Al Mulla Mosque to the breezy (and free) JBR beach, this corner of New Dubai packs in plenty to see and do. Buzzy rooftop bars (City Social and ZETA Seventy Seven) and high-end restaurants (including the two Michelin-starred Row on 45 and Chinese fine-dining restaurant Mott 32) rub shoulders with come-as-you-are dive bars (Lock, Stock and Barrell and The Observatory) and American-style sports pubs (Goose Island, Barasti and JB’s Gastropub).

Each area offers something slightly different, though walking from the tip of Bluewaters Island to the edge of Dubai Marina takes about an hour at a steady pace. The main beach in JBR is perennially popular with tourists, while there is no shortage of bucket list activities including skydiving over Palm Jumeirah (Skydive Dubai), ziplining over the marina waters (XLine Dubai) and renting a yacht for the day (Xclusive Yachts, Elite Yachts or Marina Yachts).

• It is Dubai tourism's beating heart, and this section of the city never seems to sleep
• Spend the morning sipping great coffee, the afternoon lazing on the free beach and the night hopping between the wealth of bars, restaurants and pubs
• Joining the neighbourhood’s residents jogging around the 7km of pedestrianised marina promenade
• It’s impressive skyline of towering skyscrapers never gets old
• Banyan Tree Dubai – stylish, under new ownership and with a private beach that has some of the city’s best waves
• Address Beach Resort – where better to soak in sweeping views of the city than this hotel’s rooftop infinity pool? It sits 77 storeys (almost 300 metres) up and holds the record for the world’s highest

Traffic is notoriously heavy between JBR and Dubai Marina, so make the most of walking or the air-conditioned Dubai Tram, which connects to Dubai Metro at stops Sobha Realty and DMCC

Dubai's manmade Palm Jumeirah

Best for: families

Palm jumeirah.

Along with Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab , the man-made Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s best-known landmark. It’s a hotbed of high-end hotels and family-friendly resorts – each of which houses several restaurants, pools and a private beach. Travellers could – and do – spend a week without leaving the island.

Families have no shortage of terrific hotels including the Atlantis, The Palm, its more recently opened sister site Atlantis The Royal , Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Fairmont The Palm and Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. Things to do include visiting the world’s largest waterpark Aquaventure, with more than 100 slides and attractions; the Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to more than 65,000 sea animals; and The View at The Palm, which offers 360-degree views of the island 240 metres up. For older children and teens, most of the beachfront hotels offer watersports such as paddleboarding, kayaking and water hoverboarding. For smaller children, Nakheel Mall is a 41-hectare lifestyle destination combining shopping and entertainment with an enormous cinema, bowling, soft play and a trampoline park.

• Most hotel beaches are private with vigilant lifeguards, meaning parents can let the kids play and swim stress-free
• Downtime at spas such as Talise Ottoman (Jumeirah Zabeel Saray), Rayya Wellness (The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel) and Refive (Five Palm Jumeirah)
• For parents who can sort childcare, Palm West Beach has some of the city’s best beach bars including TagoMago, Kyma, Maison de la Plage and February 30
• Foodies have terrific options including Tresind Studio (two Michelin stars and number 13 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants), Ossiano (Atlantis, The Palm’s underwater Michelin-starred spot) and Nobu by the Beach (the Japanese brand’s only beach club)
• Atlantis, The Palm – one of the city’s best family hotel for more than 15 years for good reason
• Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort – step out of the room and into the pool by staying in one of the dreamy overwater villas
• NH Collection Dubai The Palm – serviced apartments, an excellent rooftop pool and only a five-minute walk to Nakheel Mall

A monorail connects the island to the mainland, with easy connections on the tram to Dubai Marina. Most hotels are well-stocked with taxis.